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Card Reader: As Controversy Rages On

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A House of Assembly candidate of Peoples Democratic Party  in Mushin Local Government Area, Mr Lekan Fijabi with others (left), testing the workings of Card Readers in Onigbongbo Ward, Ikeja LGA, Lagos, recently.

A House of Assembly candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in Mushin Local Government Area, Mr Lekan Fijabi with others (left), testing the workings of Card Readers in Onigbongbo Ward, Ikeja LGA, Lagos, recently.

Of all the innovations
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof. Attahiru Jega came up with, the use of the Smart Card Readers (SCR) for the forthcoming general elections appears to be most controversial. Barely 13 days to the polls, the controversy still rages on.
There is hardly any issue regarding the execution of the 2015 general elections that has elicited as much naivety and contradictory reactions from key actors as the CR. Not even the postponement of the elections from the initial February 14 and 28. The bone of contention has been whether to use the CR or not.
The political class has been perplexed, particularly since the demonstration of the use of the CR in selected states of the country penultimate weekend:While those against using it find it difficult to openly come out to denounce the device, given its effective blockage of fake Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), others in support of the use of the device were also constrained by the shortcomings associated with it, as seen in its failure to effectively read the thumbprints of a significant number of potential voters in many places it was used.
Key stakeholders have taken divergent positions on the device. For the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, said there is no going back on the use of the CR, because”the cards would stop multiple voting by ensuring that only possessors of the PVCs can vote at voting points where the PVCs are programmed to”.
His Chief Press Secretary, Mr.Kayode Idowu explained that”nothing happened during the mock election to warrant going back on the use of card readers for the general elections. The deployment of the card readers was successful and even international observers from the UN have attested to it.Contrary to some claims, only one case of card reader challenge was recorded at our Situation Room and it was a human thing.
“Concerning some alleged hitches, there were guidelines on what to do at any polling unit to make sure that an eligible voter is allowed to exercise his or her right.
“The flaws being claimed were anticipated. The states where fingerprints were not authenticated had the PVC incident form procedure, it was agreed with political parties that the form will be filled.”
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had, following the trial-run of the CR, expressed reservations, noting difficulties in the accreditation through the failure of the biometric confirmation among some voters. Governors of PDP- controlled states were the first to oppose it.
The governors said they are opposed to the use of the machine because it has proved to be ineffective and hence constitutes a burden to the accreditation process. They met in Lagos last week, and vowed to scuttle any attempt by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use the devise in the March 28 and April 11 elections.
Their reasons, given at different fora, have semblance with the stand taken by youths under the aegis of Middle Belt Concerned Youths who staged a protest at the headquarters of INEC in Abuja against the use of PVCs and the card readers for the elections.
Their take was that “judging from what transpired during the (CR test-run) exercise, it has been proven that batteries of the card readers do not function for more than three hours. The question therefore is, what happens if the battery fails during the election proper, especially in the rural areas?”
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the major opposition, on its part, said it was satisfied with the device and urged the commission to go ahead with the use of the card readers.The party noted that the opposition to the use of CR in the coming elections was an indication that those in the corridors of power see the machine as the nemesis of those opposed to the idea of a free and fair election.
From the perspective of the APC, “Only dishonest politicians, those who plan to rig, those who have engaged in a massive purchase of PVCs and those who have something to hide are opposed to use of the machine.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our party is ready for any tool, including the card reader that will ensure that the votes of Nigerians will count in the election…The card reader has been demonstrated to work, including at the Senate, and no one must come out to tell Nigerians anything to the contrary.”
While supporting the APC stand, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and senatorial candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, Chief Victor Umeh, said his party is throwing its weight behind the use of CR in the 2015 general elections.
“The use of card reader is a sure way of fighting election rigging, especially when it is known that some politicians prefer to use a system that would make it possible for them to write results that would favour them as they had done in the past. APGA is in support of free, fair and credible election and the use of card reader can guarantee free and fair election, which is why we are supporting it”, he said.
While acknowledging the challenges noticed during the test-run of the CR, the electoral umpire has assured Nigerians that all hope is not lost, as voters whose thumbprints are not read by the CR could still vote but would have to fill an incident report form to reflect the development.
This position is, however, viewed as a connivance between the APC and INEC by those who opposed the use of the CR, as represented by the PDP, whose scepticism was expressly stated by the Middle Belt Concerned Youths.
“The simple fact that APC and INEC are on the same page on the use of PVCs and card readers speaks volumes about their plan to rig the forthcoming polls, which all right-thinking and well-meaning Nigerians must resist with vigour”, they said.
According to the group, those that claim that the electronic machines did not fail during the mock exercise in their states “are simply playing to the gallery; it is a cover-up and a far cry from the ugly reality starring everybody in the face”.
The group summarized its stand thus: “In as much as we appreciate the steadfastness and enormous innovations introduced by INEC to bequeath free and fair elections to the nation, it is still the contention of majority of Nigerians that such efforts must not be sacrificed on the altar of a fool-hardy insistence of proceeding with the use of PVCs, despite the glaring imperfections inherent in them. Insisting on using them for the elections will only end up disenfranchising a huge segment of Nigeria’s voting population.
“We frown at this orchestrated plot to disenfranchise a high number of eligible Nigerian voters by INEC as epitomised in its determination to go ahead with the use of PVCs and card readers regardless of the genuine concerns expressed by relevant stakeholders in the polity, a development that is likely to compromise the integrity of the elections.
“Unlike the TVCs, which are easy to obtain and use during elections, PVCs are a bit technically complicated for an average rural dweller. Instead of this straight-jacketed insistence of using PVCs and card readers, INEC should rather be thinking of fashioning out alternative measures of ensuring the success of the elections that will not only be acceptable to Nigerians, but also meet international standards”.
The stands taken by all concerned party show that while they all agree that INEC should conduct free, fair and credible elections, they are sceptical about the support of the other party for a process, in this case, the use of the card reader, which INEC says will checkmate rigging.
The stand of the opposition to the use of the CR is that it will disenfranchise a notable population of voters. The question that readily comes to mind is, what informed the esoteric belief and consequent apprehension that this population that may be so disenfranchised will all be supporters of the PDP, which is spearheading the opposition against the use of the card reader?
Beyond winning the election, it is high time political parties stood for enthronement of real democracy and electoral system that would stand the test of time. They should therefore know that given the innovations of theINEC under the chairmanship of Professor Jega, what the electoral body needs now is suggestions on have to confront the challenges noticed in the use of the CR.
Consequently, all stakeholders should be thinking of fashioning out alternative measures of ensuring the success of the elections that will not only be acceptable to Nigerians, but also meet international standards.

 

Soibi Max-Alalibo

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Fubara Tasks Rivers Stakeholders On Political, Economic Emancipation …Commissions NAVAL Training Command Headquarters At Ebubu

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Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that the task of emancipating Rivers State and taking it to its desired height of development among the comity of Nigerian states depends on the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the state.
Governor Fubara said this at Ubima, on Saturday, when he attended the burial ceremony of late Madam Cecelia Omehia, mother of Sir Celestine Omehia.
Addressing the leaders of the state who attended the burial ceremony in their numbers, the governor urged them to demonstrate their love for the state by living up to their patriotic responsibilities and make meaningful contributions that will move the state forward.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the service of the state and cautioned against politics of bitterness and animosity, stating that he will not govern the state as an underdog, nor compromise  the interest of Rivers people, no matter the challenges facing his administration.
“Anybody who claims to love this State should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards. We will continue to support every course that will advance the interest of our dear Rivers State.
“And I am happy to say, and I’ve said it over and again, it doesn’t matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on the side of truth.
”I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear State on my knees. If that was the purpose, I will not do that. I will stand to govern our dear state and stand continually on the side of right”, he said.
The governor commiserated with the Omehia family over the transition of their beloved matriarch and urged  them to take solace in the good legacies she left behind.
Sir Celestine Omehia, the chief mourner, in his response  thanked  the Rivers State governor  and his entourage for honoring the memory of his beloved mother, whom he described as a role model, teacher and great disciplinarian.
Earlier on Saturday, Governor Fubara visited the scene of the Friday night inferno occasioned by a tanker explosion that occurred at the Indorama axis of East West Road, causing untold disaster with over 60 vehicles razed and about four lives lost.
Governor Fubara who was accompanied by the  Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, and the state Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Uchechukwu Nwafor, during the visit, expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident and condoled with the families of the victims, assuring that the state government will provide needed assistance to cushion the effects of the tragedy.
“We are here to see for ourselves and get a first hand information of what happened yesterday night.
“I was told that it was caused by a tanker that was conveying premium motor spirit. In fact, I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they take control of the security situation in the area.
Governor Fubara, on Friday, commissioned the new Naval Training Command Headquarters at Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara said he was delighted with the transformation recorded in the abandoned facility after it was ceded by the Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Navy on request in 2023.
He pointed out that the relocation of the Naval Training Command headquarters to Rivers State underscores the proficiency of the Nigerian Navy in managing the maritime sector, especially in safeguarding the waterways and  fighting against economic sabotage such as crude oil theft and its associated menace.
Governor Fubara commended the Navy for investing in the training of its personnel to evolve a highly skilled workforce to secure the Nigerian waterways, stating that the new development is a manifestation of President Bola Tinibu’s commitment to building a strong security architecture for Nigeria.
The Governor who assured the support of his administration to the Navy and other security outfits, announced a donation of N350m to the Navy, and urged synergy between the Navy and the host communities in terms of development support and security of lives and property.
“As you go on to put this training command into full service, my charge to you is to ensure that this sprawling facility is effectively maintained and utilized to expand your operations and activities for national security development.
“I further implore you to provide effective security and development support to the host communities, and live in peace and harmony with the civilian population in the local government area,” the Governor added.
In his remark,  the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral, Emmanuel Ogalla, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the continuous support and partnership of the Rivers State Government with the Navy.
Taneh Beemene
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Constitution Amendment: Senator Barau Urges Stakeholders’ Collaboration

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Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, Senator Barau Jibrin, has called for robust collaboration among all stakeholders to drive the ongoing constitution amendment process to a successful conclusion.
Senator Barau stated this on Saturday at the joint retreat of the secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, in Abuja.
He commended the synergy between the constitution review secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House of Representatives committees, saying this will create harmony in the workings of both committees.
Senator Barau assured that the National Assembly will carry out the review of the constitution by a thorough aggregation of the yearnings of Nigerians from all walks of life through public hearings and collection of memoranda from various interests throughout the country, as well as embarking on a progressive engagement with state governments and legislatures and the federal government to achieve consensus on all issues.
“We must work together. Our country is facing a lot of challenges and this is the right time to fashion out a constitution that will go in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people of this country.
“The world is dynamic and this compels all serious countries to go with modernity and fashion their laws in accordance with contemporary happenings within their peculiarities.
“We have started on a progressive note of collaboration and let us add momentum to this very important collaboration within our ranks in order to achieve a result that will help in driving the process of making prospective peace, justice and fair play in the way we run our affairs as a nation,” he said.
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Makinde Hails Electorate, OYSIEC Over LG Poll Conduct 

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Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has applauded the residents of the state for turning out to vote in the ongoing local government election across the state.
The governor also rated the conduct of the election high, stating it compared favourably with elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governor stated this on Saturday after casting his vote at Unit 1, Ward 011, Abayomi Open Space, Iwo Road, Ibadan North East LGA of Oyo State.
Addressing journalists after exercising his civic responsibility, Gov Makinde said, “For us in Oyo State, it is almost like a given that democracy at the grassroots is what we practise. This is almost our fifth year in office and we are holding local government election for the second time.
“Before we came in, it had always been caretaker administration at the grassroots without the people having a say in who should govern them.
“You can see around also that the people are going about, performing the exercise peacefully and the traffic restriction is being obeyed by the people. So, I will commend our people for coming out to take seriously democracy at that level.”
The governor, who noted that security report about the election had been excellent, also charged those who observed any untoward development to report same to the security agencies.
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